Curle set to sign new deal as Thomas hails Cobblers boss for doing 'exceptional job'

Keith Curle has been hailed by chairman Kelvin Thomas for doing an 'exceptional job' in charge of the Cobblers following last week's play-off final victory.

Curle's contract runs out this summer but he's already agreed to an extension and confirmation of that should be announced imminently.

The Cobblers were at a low ebb when the 56-year-old took over in October 2018, struggling at the wrong end of the division following relegation from League One.

But 18 months later and Curle has guided the club back to England's third tier, masterminding big wins over both Cheltenham and Exeter en route to play-off final success at Wembley.

"Keith's done an exceptional job in changing some cultures within the playing department and it's been good to watch," said Thomas.

"Keith was tasked with keeping us up when he came in because we were struggling at the time and he did that comfortably and then he put together a squad capable of winning promotion.

"We didn't have a great start this season and Keith came in for a lot of criticism but he changed a couple of things and probably went back to basics.

"We talked quite a bit at that time and we talked about having to win football matches and then we went on a very good run, which can't be underestimated.

"We weren't as good as we would have liked just before the lockdown but the Grimsby away performance was very good and I felt a lot of our performances were not terrible, even the first leg against Cheltenham.

"I didn't think it was that bad - it was more that everyone felt down and deflated after the first game back in so many weeks - but the way we came back was fantastic and realistically we deserved to be in the play-offs. I thought we would have finished in the top seven."

Thomas also says Curle 'overachieved' on his budget, adding: "We don't have the top budget in the league and Keith was tasked with overachieving, which he did. Getting in the play-offs was an overachievement and then to get promoted through those was fantastic.

"I'm personally pleased for Keith because he got a bit of stick for not having a promotion. He's done better in his career than he's given credit for so I'm really proud of all the staff and happy to have them associated with the club."

Thomas confirmed that he's hopeful Curle's new contract will be announced this week.